Sunday, April 15, 2012

The first discussions between Iran and six world powers on Tehran's nuclear programme have ended on a positive note, Western officials have said.

The talks in Istanbul on Saturday were the first for 15 months. The next round will take place in Baghdad on 23 May.

Iran says its programme is peaceful, but critics suspect it of seeking to develop a nuclear weapons programme.

Speaking at the end of the talks between the six countries - the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany - and Iran, Baroness Ashton said that future discussions would be guided by the "principle of a step-by-step approach and reciprocity".

She said that Iran has the right to a peaceful nuclear programme, and that the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty must be a "key basis" for future talks.